Sewing Kit
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7319901000 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9605000000 | 18.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7319909000 | 70.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Sewing Kit (Sewing Sets & Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Sewing Kit"?
A sewing kit is a collection of tools and accessories used for mending or making clothing. In international trade, classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Form Factor: Is it a standalone tool (needle) or a complete set (kit)? 2. Material: Are the needles made of iron, steel, or other metals?
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the item is a complete set containing needles, thread, buttons, etc., packaged for retail/travel use β It is classified as a "Sewing Set" (HS 9605).
- If the item is only needles (metal tools) β It is classified as "Needles" (HS 7319).
- Do not split a kit: If the goods are presented as a kit, they must be classified as the kit, not as individual components.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Scenario | Material Inference | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9605.00.00.00 |
Sewing Sets: Complete sets with needles, thread, buttons, etc. | Retail travel kits, home sewing kits | Mixed (Plastic/Metal/Textile) | 18.1% |
7319.90.10.00 |
Needles: Specific iron/steel needles for sewing | Single needles or bulk needle packages | Iron or Steel | 67.5% |
7319.90.90.00 |
Other Needles: General iron/steel sewing needles | Standard industrial or household needles | Iron or Steel | 70.4% |
π Key Reminder:
- "Sewing Set" (9605.00.00.00) is the most favorable classification for retail kits because it attracts significantly lower tariffs.
- "Needles" (7319) attract high tariffs due to Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) and Section 301 taxes. If you ship a kit but declare it as "Needles," you will pay ~50% more in taxes!
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Includes Duties & Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Policy)
π― 1. 9605.00.00.00 ββ Sewing Sets (Recommended for Kits)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.1% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Not applicable to this heading under current specific exclusions/lists) |
| Section 232 Tariff | N/A (Plastic/Textile components exempt; no steel/aluminum core subject to 232) |
| Total Tax Rate | 18.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 18.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Denied de minimis for Section 301/232 items if applicable, but here base is 18.1%) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9605.00.00 β USITC:8.1% β No Section 301 Surcharge |
π Explanation:
- This is the optimal code for sewing kits.
- Despite containing metal needles, the essential character is the "set" for sewing, not the metal itself.
- The 18.1% rate is significantly lower than the 67.5%β70.4% rates for bare needles.
π― 2. 7319.90.10.00 ββ Needles (Iron/Steel)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% (General Section 301 rate for CN) |
| Section 232 Tariff | 50% (Steel/Aluminum Copper Products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 67.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 67.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7319.90.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:232 Steel |
π Warning:
- This code applies ONLY if you are shipping bare needles without other sewing accessories.
- The 50% Section 232 tariff is the killer here, driven by the steel content of the needles.
- Do not use this code for kits!
π― 3. 7319.90.90.00 ββ Other Needles (Iron/Steel)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 232 Tariff | 50% (Steel/Aluminum Copper Products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 70.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 70.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7319.90.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:232 Steel |
π Note:
- Slightly higher than7319.90.10due to a non-zero base tariff.
- Also subject to the heavy 50% Section 232 steel tariff.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photo | βοΈ | Must clearly show a complete kit (box with needles, thread, buttons). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must read "Sewing Set" or "Travel Sewing Kit", NOT "Sewing Needles". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List components: "1x Needle, 1x Thread, 1x Button, 1x Case" to prove it's a set. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | State: "Contains iron/steel needles, plastic case, cotton thread." |
| β Brand/Patent Info | βοΈ | Ensure no IP infringement (common with branded kits). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Set is King, Needles are Queen! Declare the Set, Save the Money!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Tax Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Sewing Kit | 9605.00.00.00 |
7319.90.10.00 |
Save ~49.4% (18.1% vs 67.5%) |
| Bulk Needles (No Thread/Button) | 7319.90.10.00 |
9605.00.00.00 |
Overpay if no thread/button present |
| Travel Needle Case | 9605.00.00.00 |
7319.90.90.00 |
Save ~52.3% (18.1% vs 70.4%) |
π Critical Rule:
- If the product contains thread, scissors, buttons, or a case, it is a Set (9605).
- If it is ONLY needles, it is a Needle (7319).
- Misdeclaration Risk: If you declare a kit as "Needles" to avoid the 8.1% base tariff, you will trigger the 50% Section 232 steel tariff, making the total tax 3.7x higher.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Kits | Provide design drawings showing the kit composition. Emphasize "Sewing Set" in description. |
| Needles Only | If shipping only needles, you MUST use 7319. No alternative. Prepare for 67.5%-70.4% tax. |
| Mixed Shipments | If a shipment contains both kits and loose needles, split the declaration. Do not combine them. |
| Origin: Non-China | If made in Vietnam/Malaysia, IEEPA Section 301 (7.5%) may be waived, reducing total tax for 7319 significantly. But 9605 remains 18.1% (Base 8.1% + No Section 301). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9605.00.00.00 |
18.1% | Best option for kits. Avoid 7319 (67.5%+). |
| π¨π³ China | 9605.00.00.00 |
~8-10% | Lower base tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9605.00.00 |
0% - 4% | Low duties, but strict CE/chemical compliance (thread dyes). |
| π¬π§ UK | 9605.00.00 |
0% - 4% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA has the highest complexity due to Section 232 (Steel) and Section 301 (China) tariffs.
- Always classify sewing kits as9605.00.00.00to avoid the punitive 50% steel tariff.
- For bulk needles, the tax burden is unavoidable (67.5%+), so factor this into pricing.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears)
β Error 1: Declaring a full sewing kit as "Sewing Needles"
π Consequence: You pay 67.5% instead of 18.1%. You lose ~50% of the product value in unnecessary taxes.
β Error 2: Declaring "Sewing Set" when the shipment is only needles
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals no thread/buttons. Penalty + Back Taxes + Delay.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 232 for bare needles
π Consequence: The 50% steel tariff is automatic for iron/steel needles from China. Do not assume exemption.
β Correct Practice:
"Travel Sewing Kit, Includes Needles, Thread, Buttons, Scissors, Plastic Case. HS: 9605.00.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Maximize Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Kit is Set, Needles are Steel. Set is Cheap, Steel is Hefty!"
πΉ "HS 9605 saves you 50% tax. HS 7319 hurts your wallet."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing bulk needles for manufacturing, consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, India) to avoid the 7.5% Section 301 surcharge, though the 50% Section 232 remains.
For retail kits, stick to 9605.00.00.00 and ensure your packaging clearly shows it is a set.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker to verify "Sewing Set" classification.
πΈ Provide photos of the full kit for pre-clearance.
π Clear your goods quickly and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on the Right HS Code!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.